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A surge in GPS signal disruptions in northern Poland is raising alarm over growing electronic warfare tactics attributed to Russia. The interference, which has increasingly affected civilian and military systems alike, is being viewed as part of a broader hybrid strategy aimed at destabilizing NATO’s eastern flank, according to a statement by Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister.
Recent reports indicate that GPS jamming incidents have become more frequent in Poland’s northern regions, with drone operators experiencing sudden loss of control or unexpected flight path deviations. These disruptions, while seemingly minor on the surface, carry significant implications for aviation safety, emergency response, and national security operations that rely heavily on satellite-based navigation.
GPS jamming occurs when high-powered radio signals are broadcast on the same frequencies used by GPS satellites, effectively drowning out the legitimate signal. This renders GPS receivers unable to calculate accurate positioning. While ground-based navigation alternatives exist, particularly in aviation, the reliability and precision of GPS make it a critical infrastructure component.
The Polish government is responding by coordinating real-time monitoring and countermeasures through its cyber defense units and national security agencies. Officials have described the activity as an extension of a hybrid warfare campaign that includes cyberattacks and disinformation, particularly around key political events.
The problem is not confined to Poland. Neighboring Baltic and Nordic countries have also reported a steep increase in GPS interference, particularly near Russian and Belarusian borders.
As GPS technology underpins everything from logistics and communications to critical defense systems, its vulnerability to jamming raises broader questions about the resilience of Western digital infrastructure. With the growing use of electronic warfare in conflict, the trend urges the need to develop advanced navigation methods that do not rely on GPS, and using them as a backup method for both military and critical civilian purposes.
